Muslim families forced to flee Pune villages amid Hindutva threats, economic boycott
Pune: Several Muslim families have fled Paud and Pirangut villages in Mulshi taluk, Pune district, following threats and an economic boycott allegedly orchestrated by Hindutva groups. Fact-finding teams from the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) and the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), which visited the villages on July 2, reported a climate of fear, shuttered Muslim-owned businesses, and displaced families.
The unrest began after an alleged desecration of an Annapurna Devi idol in Paud on May 2. This was followed by a rally led by BJP and right-wing groups on May 5, during which open threats were reportedly issued against Muslim residents. Posters calling for a boycott of “non-native Muslims” appeared across the villages shortly after, according to the PUCL. These posters have since been removed following orders from Pune Rural SP Sandeep Singh Gill, but the situation remains tense.
Local businesses, including Roshan Bakery, New Sangam Bakery, and New Bharat Bakery, remain shut. “Our family has lived here for 40 years, yet we’re labelled outsiders,” said the owner of Roshan Bakery, alleging that police have failed to provide any protection. The closures have affected around 400 workers, including several Hindu vendors who relied on these businesses for their livelihood.
In addition to threats and intimidation, incidents of violence have also been reported. A Muslim scrap shop owner, whose business was torched in June, claimed a loss of ₹20 lakh and said he had to move his family to Kamshet for safety.
PUCL also reported intimidation by Hindu Rashtra Sena leader Dhananjay Desai, who is accused of orchestrating threats from a farmhouse near Vitthalwadi village. Desai, previously tried and acquitted in the 2014 Mohsin Shaikh murder case, is currently absconding in a separate matter involving illegal seizure of property, according to police.
Mosques in the area have also been targeted, with posters restricting entry for non-local Muslims, leading to a drop in attendance even after the posters were removed. Many families have since fled to their ancestral homes in Uttar Pradesh or relocated to Kamshet. Children’s education has been disrupted as families were forced to leave abruptly.
A local resident alleged that Muslims were being monitored through a WhatsApp group with 400 members tracking their movements. “When I went to buy medicine for my son, my photo was immediately shared in the group,” he said.
Ashok Matre, former Congress taluk president in Pirangut, said the region was once known for communal harmony. “Muslims used to take part in Harinaam Saptah. Now that harmony is broken,” he remarked, blaming organisations like RSS, Shiv Pratishthan, and Hindu Rashtra Sena.
PUCL condemned the economic boycott as unconstitutional, stating that the right to conduct business anywhere in the country is guaranteed by the Constitution. Civil rights groups are preparing to take legal action in response to the ongoing violations.
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Rickelton's ton in vain as SRH beat MI by 6 wickets
Mumbai (PTI): Ryan Rickelton's whirlwind unbeaten ton was overshadowed by Heinrich Klaasen's unbeaten 65 as Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Mumbai Indians by six wickets in an IPL match here on Wednesday.
Chasing an imposing 244-run target, Travis Head (76 off 30) and Abhishek Sharma (45 off 24) shared 129 runs for the opening wicket to set the platform for SRH.
Klaasen (65 not out off 30 balls) then displayed his all-round hitting abilities to guide SRH home with the help of Nitish Kumar Reddy (21) and Salil Arora (30 not out off 10) in 18.4 overs.
Earlier, Rickelton's knock powered MI to 243 for five.
MI rode on a 93-run stand between Rickelton (123 not out off 55 balls) and Will Jacks (46 off 22) in 7.1 overs for the opening stand to power the side.
MI skipper Hardik Pandya scored a valuable 31 off 15 balls before being dismissed.
Praful Hinge (2/54), Eshan Malinga (1/29), Sakib Hasan (1/39) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (1/31) were the wicket-takers for SRH.
Brief Scores:
Mumbai Indian: 243 for 5 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 123 not out; Praful Hinge 2/54).
Sunrisers Hyderabad: 249 for 4 in 18.4 overs (Travis Head 76, Heinrich Klaasen 65 not out; AM Ghazanfar 2/51).
